"As artists," writes Helmet founder Randy Addison, "we wouldn't want to sculpt something only to have someone else paint it." This sums up the salon's start-to-finish approach to salon treatments?the stylists and colorists are one and the same. They transform clients' manes in a laid-back, welcoming environment that allows the staff to focus solely on creating flattering coiffures tailored to the needs of the head on which they rest. Armed with products from Aveda and Bumble and bumble, they snip, shape, blow-out, and color locks with aplomb. The team views each hairstyle as a collaboration between patron and stylist, brought to life through the latter's vision, skill, and shears, and the former's personality, features, and ability to sit still in a chair.

The six experienced stylists at Alexandar Salon train in the latest European and American designing techniques that mirror the beauty endeavors at their sister location in Belgrade, Serbia. The team was recognized in the Best of the City
feature in the January 2011 edition of the Atlantan magazine for their cutting-edge European processes, including a natural-looking highlighting method known as slicing. They sculpt and color strands with Wella products, painting on highlights to create depth or a perspective effect that seems as if hair is both a cup and two faces at the same time. The stylists call upon Magma accents to lighten dark hair up to six shades from its natural color.

Apryle Blu may be all about making beautiful hair simple, but her career has been far from one-note. The experienced stylist has transformed the tresses of everyone from reality TV stars to dancers at the Soul Train Awards. She brings that same red-carpet attention to her clients at PUSH Salon, caring for their hair using Diva Smooth straightening treatments, Mixed Chicks haircare products, and GKhair shampoos and conditioners. Apryle is especially skilled at maintaining chemically-treated hair, and crafts natural blow-styles with ease. She can also provide extensions for those looking for longer styles, carefully installing strands rather than simply handing clients nametags reading ?Rapunzel.?

Apryle Blu may be all about making beautiful hair simple, but her career has been far from one-note. The experienced stylist has transformed the tresses of everyone from reality TV stars to dancers at the Soul Train Awards. She brings that same red-carpet attention to her clients at PUSH Salon, caring for their hair using Diva Smooth straightening treatments, Mixed Chicks haircare products, and GKhair shampoos and conditioners. Apryle is especially skilled at maintaining chemically-treated hair, and crafts natural blow-styles with ease. She can also provide extensions for those looking for longer styles, carefully installing strands rather than simply handing clients nametags reading “Rapunzel.”

Like most children, Fatima Litaker-Saunders had a pretty good idea of what she wanted to be when she grew up. While other kids mused about becoming astronauts, rock stars, and actuarial scientists, Fatima followed the fashion influence of her mother and set her sights on becoming a hairstylist.
Fast-forward to today, and the now New York?trained stylist runs her own self-proclaimed ?multicultural? space, Jus Salon, where she and her trusted staff?stylists Danielle and Toni?revamp hair of all types. Between mint-hued walls, the trio cuts both men?s and women?s strands, boosts depth and dimension with highlights, and creates enviable length with weaves, extensions, and powdered wigs.

Groupon Guide

When one moves to a new city, finding a new stylist is one of the most difficult and daunting tasks for many women. It can take years to find someone who truly understands you hair and shares your same vision in the cut, color and styling department. Lucky for Atlanta ladies (and men!), though, Vivid hair salon is a reliable and safe go-to. Their stylists are educated, up-to-date and trendy. No matter what look you’re going for, you’re sure to be pleased with the results.
I caught up with one of Vivid’s talented stylists, Grace, and got the scoop on Vivid, common hair mistakes and more.
What is your favorite thing about working at Vivid?
My clients! I learn so much from them. My clients have become friends that I cherish.
How is Vivid different from other salons?
Vivid is a very modern but traditional neighborhood salon. The wooden floors and the brick and stone walls give it a very cozy and inviting feel.
What made you want to be a stylist?
I was always fascinated with color and shapes. Growing up I did a lot of different things to my hair and thought, why not learn and do it professionally? I wanted to have fun and enjoy my work.
What is your favorite thing about being a stylist?
I have a lot of fun with it. Being a stylist is exciting and keeps me on my toes for new trends and styles. I love sharing my knowledge and teaching my clients about how to treat their hair. Being given the ability to help find someone's confidence is such an honor!
What is your favorite style to cut? What about color?
Right now my favorite style to cut is different degrees of angled bobs and adding a lot of texture and layers in my cuts. For color, I'm obsessed with deep and dark roots with bright highlights around the face.
What was your proudest moment as a stylist?
My proudest moment would have to be when I was invited to be a part of New York Fashion Week Spring 2011. That was an awesome experience.
What product line do you recommend?
I love Pureology. It's a 100% vegan and sulfate free. It smells great and feels amazing on your hair. I like chi blow dryers and flat irons. They glide so easily on your hair and last a long time.
What are the biggest and most common mistakes people make with their hair?
Not getting regular trims. Even when growing out your hair you must get your regular trims to keep it healthy. Also, box dying your hair. Color doesn't lift color so once you do it, it becomes a color correction in the salon! So eventually it will cost you more money!
Any final tips or tricks?
Random trick: When hair is standing up from static, rub a laundry dryer sheet on your hair. It takes the static right out!
Grace was my savior when I decided to cut over ten inches off of my hair to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. My ‘after’ look had me feeling like a celebrity (namely, Olivia Palermo and Ashley Benson, whose photos I brought in as an example – I mean, the cut was literally identical!). I highly recommend booking a spot with this talented lady. Plus, all new customers get a welcome packet complete with money-saving coupons.
To book your appointment at Vivid Salon, call (404) 685-3557 or visit them at 1401 N. Highland Avenue NE.

When it comes to beauty and hair care, finding a one-stop shop is ideal, but definitely a rare luxury. Most women can agree on what a difficult task it is to find not only the right hair stylist, but also the right esthetician and the right manicurist. Fortunately for Atlantans, a new full-service salon that has it all has opened in Buckhead: White Salon and Spa.
I first experienced White Salon and Spa when I went in for a facial with Pangie Skrine. White Salon’s namesake becomes clear when arriving to the little house off Pharr Road in Buckhead. The inviting home-turned-salon is painted white on the outside and often keeps its door open, welcoming new clients and regulars alike.
The interior of the salon reveals luxurious dark hardwood floors beneath a clean, white interior. Vibrant pops of colors and patterns are scattered throughout the boutique salon. Upon arrival, Jessica cheerily welcomes guests at the front desk, which sits across from a vintage Victorian style couch.
The front room of the house is the main salon floor area, where stylists work their magic on clients’ hair. I’ve personally experienced the work of Wanda and absolutely loved the results. The owner of White Salon and Spa is also a stylist. Max Sanchez has over twenty years of experience in the beauty industry. Other stylists include Manik and Angel. These talented professionals offer a range of services including cuts, styling, color, deep conditioning treatments, thermal reconditioning, permanent wave, relaxer and more.
Deeper into the salon, one will find the manicure station, which opens to both the right and the left. A walk right reveals the stylish hair washing room with bookshelves full of both classic and modern books. Left of the manicure station is a hallway with rooms lining all the way to the back of the salon. The faint sound of nature and soothing music trickles from these private rooms, indicating that these are the spa wing of White Salon and Spa.
These rooms house several services, from eyelash extensions, brow shaping and tinting to luxurious skin care treatments by Pangie. If you told me Pangie is anything short of a magical skin care goddess, I’d be reluctant to agree. She has worked wonders on me personally, and offers a wide variety of treatments for any skin type. In addition to her amazing facial treatments, Pangie also offers peels. These treatments are all specifically customized for each client’s needs. From blemishes to wrinkles, Pangie will help fight it all.
Overall, the incredibly talented and friendly staff is enough to secure repeat customers, but the beautifully clean aesthetic of the salon and the top quality products used—some made right here in Atlanta!—just solidify what a great experience is to be had at White Salon and Spa. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the finer things in life at this Buckhead go-to.